Vehicle jacks mandatory standard

Products the mandatory standard applies to

The mandatory standard for vehicle jacks applies to devices with a nominated capacity of up to and including 8 tonnes designed to raise a vehicle. Vehicle jacks covered by the mandatory standard include:

• hydraulic jacks
• lever jacks
• pantograph (scissor) jacks
• screw jacks
• caravan/trailer jacks
• high lift jacks.

The mandatory standard sets out the requirements for the design, construction, performance, testing, markings and instructions of vehicle jacks.

There’s a separate mandatory standard for trolley jacks.

Products the mandatory standard does not apply to

This mandatory standard doesn’t apply to:

• jacks designed to raise an entire vehicle
• air bag jacks
• hydraulic trolley jacks.

Complying with the mandatory standard

Design and construction

Vehicle jacks must meet the design and construction requirements of the mandatory standard.

They must be:

• made from appropriate materials and have protective coatings
• stable when used
• comply with baseplate and headcap dimensions
• have a mechanism to prevent overtravel.

Vehicle jacks supplied with vehicles must be capable of lifting the model of vehicle they are designed to lift.

Testing

The mandatory standard specifies testing to make sure vehicle jacks comply with the requirements. Suppliers should organise product testing through specialist testing laboratories.

Performance

Vehicle jacks must meet the performance requirements of the mandatory standard.

Vehicle jacks must:

• not fail or become unserviceable when tested
• be able to be used by an operator to control the descent of the load
• comply with the requirements for loss of height with time, overload capacity and minimum nominated capacity specified by the mandatory standard.

Safety markings

A vehicle jack must be supplied with:

• instructions for safe use, markings and assembly instructions as required by the mandatory standard.
• a permanent warning notice marked on it.
• the maximum load capacity in kilograms marked on it.

Specific vehicle jacks

Specific vehicle jacks must be permanently marked with warning advice about getting under a vehicle that is supported by a jack and/or these pictograms.

Hydraulic jacks

Hydraulic jacks must be permanently marked with a statement about the correct hydraulic fluid for use with the jack and that it be kept at the recommended level.

Packaging marking

The packaging for general purpose jacks, high lift jacks and caravan or trailer jacks, must be clearly marked with information about the height lowered, height raised, nominated capacity and maintenance instructions as set out by the mandatory standard. If there is no packaging, the information must be marked on a leaflet attached to the jack.

Instructions for safe use

Vehicle jacks must be supplied with instructions about how to use and maintain the vehicle jack. The instructions must include the applicable warnings and information about the safe use of the vehicle jack as set out by the mandatory standard

When a product does not comply

Fines and penalties may apply for failure to comply with a mandatory safety or information standard.

Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe.

See also

Vehicle jacks consumer guidance

Portable ramps for vehicles mandatory standard

Vehicle support stands mandatory standard

Trolley jacks mandatory standard

Recovery straps for vehicles mandatory standard

Tinted headlight covers ban